Soy-Marinated Chicken Yakitori Skewers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken skewers marinated in a savory soy and mirin sauce, perfect for a Japanese-style appetizer or meal. This japanese-inspired sushi ready in about 25 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, soy sauce, mirin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 4 tbsp soy sauce, 3 tbsp mirin, 2 tbsp sake, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger. Stir until sugar dissolves to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 500g boneless chicken thigh pieces to the marinade and toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours.
  3. Step 3: Thread the marinated chicken pieces and 2-inch segments of 2 green onions alternately onto 8 soaked bamboo skewers.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, basting occasionally with reserved marinade, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
  5. Step 5: Serve the yakitori skewers hot as an appetizer or with steamed rice for a full meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Soy-Marinated Chicken Yakitori Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Soy-Marinated Chicken Yakitori Skewers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Soy-Marinated Chicken Yakitori Skewers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Soy-Marinated Chicken Yakitori Skewers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Soy-Marinated Chicken Yakitori Skewers?

Japanese sushi like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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